The Scottish National Gallery looks after the country’s fine art collection from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century. The collection is spread across three levels of a mid 19th-century neoclassical building.Familiarize yourself with the history of Scottish painting by starting your visit in the lower level. Many of the rooms on this floor showcase the stars of Scottish art, such as McKay, Ramsay, Raeburn and Wilkie.Then head up to the ground level and appreciate works by Cézanne, Degas, Monet and Van Gogh, among others. The highlights include Self-Portrait by Rembrandt and Sandro Botticelli’s The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child.To enhance your appreciation of the featured works, download the gallery’s free ArtHunter mobile app for Android and iOS phones. Use it to capture paintings and unlock videos, audios and bonus content. There’s also a gaming aspect to the app which could keep young children occupied on their way around. Check the gallery’s website for details. There, you’ll also find information about free family drop-in activities held regularly throughout the year.Don’t leave without seeing some of the religious-themed paintings on the upper level, including Bologna’s The Adoration of the Magi. This floor contains many of the gallery’s early pieces, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.The Scottish National Gallery is next door to the Royal Scottish Academy and connected to it by the Gardens Entrance which is situated beneath the two buildings. This multipurpose space houses a restaurant, café and the National Gallery’s shop.Located on the Mound, the road that bisects Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery is within walking distance of Princes Street. The nearest train station is Edinburgh Haymarket. If you are driving, there are three paid parking lots nearby. The gallery is open daily. Check the National Galleries website for specific opening times.
Scottish National Gallery Tours
Visit Scottish National Gallery
Plan a trip to see Scottish National Gallery
Cairn Lodge
Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024
Browse tours and tickets to explore Scottish National Gallery
Tours & day trips
See all 645 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh Castle: Guided Tour with Live Guide
Private & custom tours
See all 274 activitiesOpens in new tabThe Potter Trail Private Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 82 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 29 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 26 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Scenic Bike Tour
Popular places to visit
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Rich with history, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Edinburgh. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.
Writers' Museum
Housed in an old noble’s city mansion and hidden away in a quiet courtyard, this museum provides an enlightening look at the lives of Scotland’s most famous writers.
Castlehill
You can find out about the history of Edinburgh with a stop at Castlehill. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Enjoy a barrel ride, talks and tasting sessions in this lively museum devoted to Scotland's famous amber nectar.
Princes Street Gardens
Spend time in this attractive green space that separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from its 18th-century New Town.
Victoria Street
Find out about the history of Edinburgh with a stop at Victoria Street. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Best Lodging Options Near Scottish National Gallery
Check availability on hotels close to Scottish National Gallery
- Vacations and getaways similar to Scottish National Gallery
- Other Hotels near Scottish National Gallery, Old Town Edinburgh
- Hotels near popular Edinburgh Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Scottish National Gallery
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Edinburgh Castle
- Royal Mile
- Princes Street
- Edinburgh Zoo
- University of Edinburgh
- Murrayfield Stadium
- Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Grassmarket
- George Street
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- St. Giles' Cathedral
- Edinburgh International Conference Centre
- Royal Highland Centre
- National Museum of Scotland
- Military Tattoo Theatre
- ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
- Cityroomz Edinburgh
- Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
- Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
- The Balmoral Hotel
- ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
- easyHotel Edinburgh
- Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
- InterContinental Edinburgh The George, an IHG Hotel
- Motel One Edinburgh - Princes
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Malmaison Edinburgh City
- Hotels near Edinburgh Castle
- Hotels near Royal Mile
- Hotels near Princes Street
- Hotels near University of Edinburgh
- Hotels near Edinburgh Zoo
- Hotels near Murrayfield Stadium
- Hotels near Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Hotels near Grassmarket
- Hotels near George Street
- Hotels near Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Hotels near St. Giles' Cathedral
- Hotels near Edinburgh International Conference Centre
- Hotels near Royal Highland Centre
- Hotels near National Museum of Scotland
- Hotels near Arthur's Seat
- Hotels near Military Tattoo Theatre
- Hotels near Royal Yacht Britannia
- Hotels near Edinburgh Park
- Hotels near St. Andrew Square
- Hotels near Scotch Whisky Experience